Ho Chi Minh City Attractions

War Remnants Museum

The disturbing War Remnants Museum highlights the horrors of
modern combat, and especially portrays the suffering inflicted on
the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Previously called the
Museum of American War Crimes, the name was altered so as not to
cause offence to American visitors, but its displays do tell the
story from an anti-American perspective. The museum houses a
collection of weapons, machinery, artefacts and horrific
photographs illustrating the devastating affects of napalm, Agent
Orange and other weapons of mass destruction. One room is dedicated
to biological warfare, including the effects of the defoliant
sprays that were dumped over the country. Another room looks at
worldwide demonstrations for peace and international opposition to
the war. In the courtyard there are tanks, helicopters, planes and
bombs on display.

Cholon

Cholon is the thriving warren of streets comprising the Chinese
district of Saigon, first settled by the Chinese Hoa merchants at
the end of the 18th century, and now home to the biggest ethnic
minority community in the country. The difference in environment is
immediately noticeable. The cluster of Chinese-signed streets is a
fascinating labyrinth of temples, restaurants, exotic stores,
medicine shops and markets. The best place to experience the bustle
of trade is at the crowded Binh Tay Market where the corridors are
filled with stalls offering a variety of exotic produce, from live
tethered ducks to nuts and seeds, as well as other household items.
There are several temples of interest in Cholon, including the
colourful Emperor of Jade Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda with its
ornate exterior, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Temple, its roof exquisitely
ornamented with dragons and sea monsters, and the Thien Hau Pagoda
dedicated to the goddess of the sea.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels system is an underground network of tunnels
dug in the 1940s by the Vietnamese as a place to hide during the
fight against the French. The network was later expanded and used
in the American War. The system consists of more than 150 miles
(250km) of tunnels and unlit offshoots, secret trap doors
connecting narrow routes to hidden shelters, local rivers and
tunnels to the Cambodian border. It was a sprawling city of
improvised hospitals, living quarters, kitchens and fresh water
wells, with some tunnels barely large enough to wriggle through.
The plan was to launch surprise assaults on the enemy, and then
disappear; so successful a hiding place were the tunnels that first
the French and then the Americans struggled against these sudden
attacks in which the assailants seemed to vanish into fresh air.
Today many of the tunnels have been enlarged to allow visitors the
dirty and claustrophobic experience of crawling through a portion
of the underground network, past secret trapdoors and booby traps
laid against invasion. Unfortunately their popularity with visitors
has turned the area into a vicious tourist trap, with hard-sell
vendors a constant hassle among the touring throngs.

Mekong Delta

The delta is a vast network of waterways formed by the Mekong
River, and the surrounding fertile patchwork of endless green rice
paddies, orchards and swamplands is where most of the
country's rice is grown. Not only does the Mekong
River irrigate what is known as 'the rice bowl of
Vietnam', but it also serves as a vital form of
transport. A unique way of life has evolved among the
villagers that have lived on or beside the river for centuries. The
best way to experience the delta is by boat, joining the rowing
boats and fishermen, rickety houseboats, ferries and traditional
sampans on the brown water. On the banks are small villages,
vegetable gardens, fish farms and stilted houses. Trading is
carried out between boats at floating markets, where whole sections
of the river are covered by bobbing merchants who publicize their
wares hung from the top of a long bamboo pole. There are several
towns in the region from where visitors can arrange boat trips if
not already on an organised tour. Try to avoid the rainy season as
the tides may be too high for canal travel. Local food dishes are a
speciality and besides seafood there are opportunities for the
adventurous to sample such delights as snake, eels and bats.

Pham Ngu Lau

This area of Saigon, located in District One, stretching along
the streets of De Tham, Pham Ngu Lau and Bui Vien is host to most
of the budget travellers in South Vietnam. Often compared to the
more famous Khao San road of Bangkok, this district, similarly, is
an amalgamation of bars, guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops
and small travel agencies. Known also to be an expat playground,
these bars stay open later than most in the city. The prominent Go2
Bar is the most popular among tourists but dozens dot the area. Day
trips to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi tunnels are easily
organised in any of the travel agencies as well as transport to
most of Vietnam. Although prices vary the trips usually are the
same despite the agency.

Ben Thanh Market

Today the market caters to the tourist dollars and is packed
tight with stalls selling clothing, pottery, souvenirs, jewels and
food. It is rumoured that depending on bargaining ability buyers
will be given their purchase in various coloured bags as a sign to
other vendors. The market was moved to its current building in 1912
but has existed in the area for hundreds of years. The permanent
stalls are passed down in family for generations. Some of Vietnam's
specialties can be bought cheaply here such as cobra and scorpion
whiskey and silks. The market is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
but an outdoor night market and food stalls surround the area until
much later.

Mui Ne

Mui Ne is Vietnam's most western style resort beach. The city
itself is typical Vietnamese fishing community sporting a fleet of
beautiful fishing boats but little to see or do in town. The beach
beside it, however, spreads in glitzy contrast. Expensive western
resorts and hotels line the beachside while cheaper guesthouses can
be found across the road or closer to town. A variety of water
activities are available including surfing, kite surfing, jet-skis,
and sailing. Beach and roadside bars hop with cheap drinks and
electro music late into the night. Jibe's is a popular hangout
among the young and tireless. Close to town are red coloured sand
dunes but the farther away and much larger white sand dunes are
worth the extra half-hour trip. For a small tip children will rent
tourists sand sleds and demonstrate how to surf the dunes. One of
Vietnam's top golf courses also is just outside the city. Mui Ne is
a scenic 5 hour motorbike trip from Vung Tau or five hour highway
bus ride from Saigon.

Dam Sen water park

The best way to cool off in the hot dusty city is the Dam Sen
Water Park. It is part of a much larger theme park but the
highlights all circle the water fun. Part of the adventure is
wondering if anything is up to Vietnamese safety standards, or if
there are safety standards to be up to. Either way the great
selection of water slides hurtle passengers, full speed, up
railings and down steep drops. For relaxation a large wave pool and
a circling stream are great to float away the heat. A tourist
designated section of the compound is a nice place to relax if the
crowds are too much. Never visit on a public holiday unless
standing shoulder to shoulder in waste deep water sounds fun.